But suspected pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine are accused of shooting down the plane, killing all 298 passengers, including 36 Australians. The missile also stopped the home return of the 77-year-old nun.

Monsignor Tony Doherty said at the service, "She was a woman of astonishing grace, great charm, and above all, a gentleness. I must say I found whenever being with Phil that I came away feeling a more expanded person."

Bishop Peter Comensoli, who led the Mass at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral on Sunday to honor the victims, said, "The downing of MH17 was not an innocent accident, it was the outcome of a trail of human evil."

He said there was a "blame and buck-passing" strategy of those believed to be responsible.

"Evil will try to hide, obfuscate, deny. But by the light of day the true picture will be seen."

POPE FRANCIS

The Vatican press office released a statement Sunday saying, "Pope Francis has learned with dismay of the tragedy of the Malaysian Airlines aircraft downed in east Ukraine, a region marked by high tensions.

"He raises prayers for the numerous victims of the incident and for their relatives, and renews his heartfelt appeal to all parties in the conflict to seek peace and solutions through dialogue, in order to avoid further loss of innocent human lives."

While in Paris, Sister Philomene reportedly saw Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat in her resting place at St. Francis Xavier Church, a very special moment for the nun.